Santee, incorporated December 1980, is entering its 27th year as a municipality. With a population of 54,700 and located in eastern San Diego County, Santee is the eleventh largest of San Diego County's 18 cities. With approximately half of its land undeveloped, Santee is one of the few cities in the county with space to grow.

Since its incorporation, Santee has worked steadily to enhance the community's quality of life. Toward that end, the City Council approved the Town Center Specific Plan, a 700-acre mixed-use development straddling the San Diego River. This project includes a high-tech office park, multi-family residential, open space, and a planned 55-acre community park for recreational activities. The San Diego Trolley has its eastern terminus in the Town Center and includes a major shopping center (Santee Trolley Square).

Two new freeways, SR-52 and SR-125, have been extended into the City. In the undeveloped northern portion of Santee, encompassing almost 25% of the City, is an area known as Fanita Ranch. This 2600-acre site is envisioned as a significant master-planned community providing high quality recreation and residential living.

The Santee School District and the Grossmont Union High School District rank among the best, having earned several local, state, and national awards for academic excellence. The schools also boast outstanding extracurricular activities from sports to fine arts. The area is home to the Grossmont Community College District, which boasts two award-winning community colleges, Grossmont and Cuyamaca. In addition, San Diego State University, University of California at San Diego and University of San Diego are close by.

Nestled between gently rolling hills and located near several refreshing lakes, Santee offers the comfortable convenience of urban living with the serenity and safety of the country. A dedicated City Council and thoughtful City government have taken steps to preserve the community's natural identity. Sound government practices and a strong financial base ensure a bright future for Santee.